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Tramadol Claims More Lives Than Any Other Drug Globally

Marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin are probably the first thing that comes to your mind when speaking about drugs and addictions. Their “popularity” is mostly because of the media coverage they get every day.

On the other hand, here are the opioid addictions that we tend to ignore even though they have already become a global circling crisis.

Nevertheless, Prof. Jack Crane explains that there’s one prescription painkiller that’s responsible for even more deaths than heroin, cocaine, and any other drug. It’s the Tramadol.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol, also known by the brand name Ultram or ConZip, is a drug for reducing moderate to severe pain. However, even though it’s mainly a painkiller, tramadol also works as a narcotic.

The Effects

Doctors usually prescribe this drug for treating chronic ongoing pain after surgeries. What this drug does is targeting the central nervous system to change your perception and reaction to pain.

But, if you take it according to the recommendations given by your doctor, tramadol won’t cause any significant damage.

Still, some people make an awful mistake by combining this drug with alcohol or other medications. For instance, in 2016, there were 33 deaths linked to Tramadol only in Northern Ireland.

According to Prof. Crain, a lot of us are unaware that tramadol can be risky mainly because it’s a prescription medication. But, this should be more than enough for you to start learning more about this drug and be more careful when taking it.

Once you find out the side effects of this pain killers, you’ll think twice before taking another one when in pains.

Tramadol Side Effects

Even though a lot of people who are taking Tramadol often don’t experience any side effects, doctors are warning about the possible side effects which are indeed real. Here are some of the more serious:

Fatigue

Drowsiness

Weight Loss

Constipation

Loss of appetite

Fainting

Rashes, itching, and swelling,

Seizures

Nausea

Headaches

Agitation

Difficulty with urinating and breathing

Constipation

Serotonin Toxicity

Severe abdominal pain

Vomiting

Depleted adrenal glands

Hallucinations

Other Concerns Regarding Tramadol

In addition to this list, taking high or incorrect dosages of Tramadol can result in several unfortunate things;

Taking Tramadol in high or incorrect dosages can lead to even more unfortunate things, such as the following.

1. Addiction

The structure of this drug is similar to that of codeine and morphine, so you can become addicted to it. Improper or too high dosage can lead to both, physical and psychological addiction.

So, if you are taking Tramadol right now, don’t make a quick decision and stop it right away, but consult a doctor and see if you take it in a proper dosage.

2. Dangerous Interactions with Other Drugs

Combining Tramadol with other medications or alcohol can cause some serious side effects. So, if you are taking sedatives, tranquilizers or similar drugs, or you are drinking alcohol, it’s best to avoid it.

3. Lack of Drug Control

In 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration in the U.S. has finally changed the Tramadol’s classification to a schedule IV drug. Before that, it was controlled only in a few states.

Final Words

Every country should have its own drug law to maintain control over the opioid crisis, and not just the U.S. In fact, chronic pain should not be treated with Tramadol or other strong painkillers.

Prof. Crane and his colleagues try to reclassify Tramadol once again and with stricter limitations after Northern Ireland made it available without a prescription in 2014.

Unfortunately, painkillers like Tramadol don’t treat the symptoms but only reduce the pain. Still, when there’s a will, there’s a way.